Vermont Nut Free Chocolates Scales Better-for-You Business
Vermont Nut Free Chocolates is scaling its better-for-you business with a winter collection featuring Peppermint Bark reformulated with plant-based colors and a redesigned Advent Calendar, the first product to display the company’s new logo and packaging. The 28-year-old Vermont company is on track to remove artificial dyes from its entire product line by December 31, 2026.
“We were one of the first companies to set the standard for safety for the 4 million people with peanut allergies. We believe everyone deserves clean ingredients,” said Mark Elvidge, co-founder and COO of Vermont Nut Free Chocolates. “That’s why we’re removing artificial colors from our products and leveling up our look, so more shoppers can find us on store shelves.”
The Winter Collection includes Peppermint Bark made with plant-based colors in their dedicated peanut and tree nut free facility. The company’s commitment to removing artificial dyes began in June 2026 with the relaunch of Skippers.
Holiday customers will also find new options like Peppermint Pretzels and Holiday Marshmallow Bites. Modernizing the look of Vermont Nut Free Chocolates aligns with best retail practices and positions the company for growth in the better-for-you snacking category.
The new packaging, featuring a logo with a nod to flowing chocolate and the Vermont mountains, will be rolled out progressively, starting with Advent Calendars. Best sellers like Mini Caramel Cups, Chocolate Covered Pretzels, and Sun Blossoms® will receive new packaging in 2027.
Vermont Nut Free Chocolates is focused on expanding distribution along the East and West Coasts into natural and specialty stores. Currently, the better-for-you snacking brand is in over 600 retailers across the country, including Whole Foods in the Northeast.
“Every week we’re getting new customers discovering us,” Elvidge said. “We’ve built trust and a loyal following for generations of families. Now, it’s time for more shoppers to have Vermont Nut Free Chocolates in their pantries.”
The company is testing recipes for its newest better-for-you product expected to be available later this year.
Vermont Nut Free Chocolates Evolution:
- Founded in 1998 in Gail and Mark Elvidge’s kitchen after their son’s peanut reaction.
- Moved to first dedicated manufacturing facility in South Hero, Vermont in Spring 2000.
- Relocated to a larger facility in Grand Isle, Vermont in 2003.
- Expanded chocolate line with first safe snack TANABAR® granola bar in 2010.
- Launched nut-free dupes including Sun Blossoms® in 2015.
- Moved to a 18,000 sq ft facility in Colchester, Vermont in 2018.
- Celebrated 25 years in business in 2023.
- Became egg-free in July 2024.
- In June 2026, removed artificial dyes from Skippers with a goal for complete transition by year-end.